Reflecting on 2025 at Sugimoto Tea Company
Each year brings its own rhythm. Some unfold gently, marked by familiar patterns and steady progress. Others ask a bit more of us.
2025 was one of those years.
It was shaped by adjustment and change, but also by commitment, teamwork, and the consistent effort to keep moving forward. As we look back, we do so with gratitude for the people who supported our work throughout the year and the values that continue to shape how we work.
A Decade of Dedication
We began the year by celebrating a milestone that reflects the people behind our work. In January, our warehouse manager, Mikiko, marked ten years with Sugimoto Tea Company.
Over the past decade, Mikiko has brought care, precision, and a strong sense of responsibility to everything she does. Her work is often behind the scenes, yet it is essential to the careful handling and fulfilment of our tea. We are deeply grateful for her commitment, her reliability, and the pride she takes in her role. Her ten-year anniversary gave us a meaningful opportunity to recognize her contribution and express our sincere appreciation of the role she has played over the years.
February: A Turning Point
In February, we received an email from our headquarters in Japan that shaped the year ahead. We were informed that our matcha supply was running out and that additional supply would not be available.
At the time, the matcha shortage was already intensifying across the industry, but this made the situation immediate for us. This moment led us to reassess priorities and make careful decisions about how we steward a product that has become increasingly scarce. The direction of 2025 shifted from that point.
We share more about this in our blog, Behind the Matcha Shortage.
Spring: Responding to a Changing Landscape
Spring marks new beginnings in the tea world, and in 2025 it arrived alongside notable changes. In April, new tariffs went into effect, adding complexity to the trade environment.
By May, the new harvest had begun, bringing with it unprecedented increases in tea prices across the industry. The impact extended beyond matcha to loose leaf teas as well, reflecting broader pressures on agriculture, labor, and production.Throughout this period, we focused on restraint, transparency, and maintaining the quality our customers expect.
Summer: Growth and Connection
Summer was a season of growth, energy, and shared purpose for our team. In June, we celebrated two new employees, expanding our team with individuals who brought fresh perspective, enthusiasm, and dedication.
By August, we came together for our first company barbecue. What began as a simple gathering became a meaningful moment to celebrate hard work, shared effort, and connection. Spending time together outside of daily routines reminded us that the strength of Sugimoto Tea Company lies in the people behind the work.
Even amid ongoing challenges, these months highlighted a deeper sense of possibility. Our team’s growth and unity reflect more than numbers. They signal momentum, optimism, and the confidence to face the months ahead together.
Fall: A New Chapter
(closing the old office)
September marked a significant milestone as we moved into a larger office. The transition was a true team effort, with everyone contributing to make the move smooth.
Beyond providing more space, the new office represents a fresh chapter for Sugimoto Tea Company in an environment that supports collaboration, creativity, and the work that we do each day. It offered a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and to look ahead with optimism, knowing that the foundation of this next chapter is the dedication and care of our entire team.
Looking Ahead
This December, we are preparing for a new chapter. With our company’s 80th anniversary on the horizon, we are quietly laying the groundwork for what comes next. This includes thoughtful reflection on our identity and how we present our work, guided by eight decades of history.
2025 asked us to adapt in ways we did not anticipate. Through change and uncertainty, we remained focused on what matters most: respect for our farmers, care for our products, and attention to the people who make this work possible.
As we step toward our 80th year, we do so with gratitude for our customers and partners who continue to support us.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.